Starting a creative career later in life takes real courage, but it can also bring unique feelings of uncertainty. You're navigating the challenge of being older than your peers whilst feeling less experienced or skilled in the work. It's a position that many mature-aged students find themselves in, and those unsettled feelings are completely normal.

This question was answered by Jasmin Bedir, CEO of Innocean Australia with over 20 years of creative industry experience and deep understanding of workplace dynamics, and Andy Wright, Host and CEO of Streamtime, founder of Never Not Creative who champions mental health and wellbeing in the creative industry. Tara Hurster, psychologist and founder of The TARA Clinic, also contributed insights on managing the psychological aspects of career transitions.

Celebrate your courage first

"Congratulations, you had the courage to pick up another career which I never had the courage to do," says Jasmin. "I've been thinking about this also, we all go through that once in a while, we go what am I doing, should I be doing something else? I always wanted to do psychology or become a horticultural specialist and then you never do it. So if you did that and picked that up now, I think that's amazing."

This perspective shift matters. Instead of focusing on what you lack, recognise what you've already accomplished. Making a career change at any age requires bravery, self-reflection, and commitment. These aren't small things.

Accept the unsettled feelings

"I can't remove the feelings of feeling unsettled, I feel unsettled most of the time, feeling completely out of my depth," Jasmin admits. "So it must be even more challenging for someone that's coming new at a mature age into the industry."

The honesty here is refreshing. Even industry leaders feel out of their depth regularly. Your feelings of uncertainty don't mean you don't belong, they mean you're human. Rather than fighting these feelings, acknowledge them as part of the process.

Don't pretend to be someone you're not

"Put your best foot forward, don't pretend that you're one of the 20-year-olds running around," advises Jasmin. "You don't have to. At the best of times you bring so much to the table when it comes to maturity. In this industry we sometimes miss the adults in the room."

Your age isn't something to hide or apologise for. The creative industry often lacks mature perspectives, and you fill that gap naturally. Your life experience, emotional intelligence, and different viewpoint are assets, not liabilities.

Understand your market value

"Let's not forget that in advertising we constantly forget 50-plus demographics," Andy points out. "We forget women making all the decisions and we forget how much power an older population holds in terms of household spending and insights."

Jasmin agrees: "There's a fair chance that you might come really really handy in understanding that audience really really well. I would probably lean into that and focus on the things that you do bring to the table."

This is a crucial insight. The industry often creates work for audiences it doesn't understand. Your lived experience gives you authentic insight into demographics that agencies struggle to reach effectively.

Assume people want you to succeed

Andy offers this practical advice: "Try and embrace every opportunity and assume that people want you to succeed. It's really easy to assume that people want you to fail, but sometimes if you approach situations assuming that someone else wants you to succeed, it's actually a really nice way of going about things."

This mindset shift can be transformative. Instead of entering rooms expecting judgment, try entering with the assumption that people are rooting for you. It changes how you present yourself and how others respond to you.

How Never Not Creative resources can help

The Never Not Creative Internship Guide and Resources (https://www.nevernotcreative.org/internships/guide) offers valuable guidance for anyone entering the industry, regardless of age. The guide covers expectations, preparation, and how to make the most of learning opportunities. As a mature-aged student, you can use these resources to understand industry norms and set clear expectations with potential employers about what you bring to the table.

Consider Never Not Finishing School

Never Not Finishing School (https://www.nevernotcreative.org/never-not-finishing-school) is a 7-week program designed to bridge the gap between creative education and employment. It covers practical topics like job searching, talking about yourself and your work, and maintaining wellbeing in the industry. The program connects graduates with industry leaders and recent recruits, providing exactly the kind of peer support and practical guidance that can help mature-aged students navigate their career transition with confidence.

You're not alone in this

The creative industry is slowly becoming more aware of its diversity gaps, including age diversity. Your presence helps change that landscape for others who will follow. Those unsettled feelings you're experiencing? They're shared by people of all ages entering this industry. The difference is that you bring wisdom, perspective, and life experience that younger peers are still developing.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Your journey might look different from others, but that doesn't make it less valid or valuable.

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